On the way to find Mom, Baby was either sitting in the car or being carried by Dad. It wasn't until the elevator reached Mom's work floor that Dad would put Baby down.
Wearing adorable blue overalls, Baby toddled towards Mom's office on little legs, racing Dad to see who could find Mom first.
Dad always walked at a leisurely pace, only suddenly speeding up to overtake Baby when they were almost there, becoming the first to arrive.
Baby stared blankly at Dad, who smiled smugly, the very picture of adult cunning, and knocked on the door saying, "Honey, I've brought Baby to see you!"
Baby clenched their tiny fists, silently vowing that next time, they would definitely beat Dad!
...
Baby had their own little bed, but loved sleeping with Mom.
Baby's favorite time was when both Dad and Mom came home together, and then they would go for a walk. At those times, Baby could hold both parents' hands and greet all the cats and dogs they passed—they always encountered neighbors walking their pets during these strolls.
While Jiang Yan and Lin Cheng were walking Baby, Baby secretly considered themselves a little puppy, and thus greeted their fellow "species."
When they met people on the street, Mom taught Baby to greet others, saying good morning, hello, hello auntie...
Baby learned and then turned to Dad, saying: "Hello!"
Lin Cheng was silent for two seconds, then said: "I'm doing well, thank you."
Because his tone sounded a bit gritted-teeth, Jiang Yan gave him a light smack.
Baby was surprised: "Mom, why did you hit Dad?"
Mom calmly said: "Because Dad said the wrong thing."
Baby seemed to understand something and placed Mom's hand on their own arm, looking pitiful but honest as they said: "Mom should hit Baby too, Baby also said the wrong thing."
Jiang Yan replied: "Mom doesn't hit little children."
Baby cheered up again and repeatedly greeted Dad like a stranger: "Hello there!"
That night, after Baby fell asleep, Lin Cheng indignantly said to Jiang Yan: "See, at such a young age they already know how to act pitiful. What will they be like when they grow up?"
Jiang Yan glanced at him sideways: "They'll be just fine, isn't that exactly what you're like as a grown-up? Didn't Baby learn it from you?"
Lin Cheng was left speechless.
...
Before Baby was born, the family had already adopted a little white cat. Because the cat arrived in the family before Baby, Baby called the cat "Big Sister."
By the time Baby could crawl and walk, the cat was still around, though it had grown from a little white kitten into a big white cat.
The cat had aged and become more mature and elegant, not as active as before. In contrast, Baby was growing bigger and more energetic. Now Baby could easily pick up the cat.
During a holiday, the family of three and the cat went to the beach for a vacation. The cat stayed in a separate pet accommodation area, and Baby used their pocket money to buy small dried fish to feed the cat.
When it was time to leave, Jiang Yan went ahead to buy some things. Lin Cheng did a final check to make sure nothing was left behind, and as he came out, he casually asked Baby, "Did you bring Big Sister?"
The cat's paws were resting on Baby's arm, motionless as Baby held it. Baby loudly answered, "Yes, I did!"
A little girl nearby who had been confusedly looking for this "Big Sister" suddenly saw the cat in Baby's arms. She was stunned for a moment, then looked like she wanted to laugh.
What a warm and loving family.
...
Baby's carefree and happy time ended at the enlightenment stage. Grandfather, Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma all pitched in to lay the foundation for Baby's early education.
Baby would sway their head and recite ancient poems with Grandma, lie on the Go board learning to play with Grandfather, quietly watch Grandma play the piano, and carry a small bucket to go fishing with Grandpa.
In short, Baby had become an all-round talent at a young age, becoming the pride and joy of the villa community residents.
As Baby grew a little older, Mom started discussing international business and often had to travel abroad for cross-border affairs. Every time Dad brought out the suitcase, Baby knew that Mom was about to leave again.
Baby and Dad would go to the airport to see Mom off. Mom would wave to them, promising to video call once she landed.
Baby's eyes blinked rapidly as they hugged Dad's neck, their milky voice a bit muffled: "I miss Mom."
Dad carried Baby back, saying: "Mom doesn't want to be apart from us either, but Mom has things to do. We have to wait for Mom to come back."
Baby was quiet for a moment, as if their thoughts had wandered elsewhere, then curiously asked: "What did Mom go to do?"
"Work, just like at Mom's company. Mom is earning money to support us."
...
The New Year is a rare time for everyone to reunite. Everyone puts aside their work and returns home for a family gathering.
On this day, many people came to Baby's villa. Grandfather, Grandma, Grandpa, and Grandma were all brought over.
Baby stood at the door, wearing a festive red double-breasted outfit, happily giving New Year greetings to everyone with folded hands.
As a result, Baby received many New Year gifts and red envelopes filled with money. Baby gave all the thick stacks of money to Mom, but the adults would also specially prepare a small red envelope for Baby with just a few bills inside.
Baby sidled up to Mom and whispered that they wanted to keep this small red envelope.
It was the first time Baby wanted to keep money for themselves. Jiang Yan was a bit surprised, but since it was specially prepared for Baby by the elders, she agreed and told Baby to keep it safe.
Jiang Yan lazily curled up on the sofa, with her parents on either side showing concern.
Jiang's Mother asked her: "Is work too busy? You don't seem to be enjoying the New Year."
Jiang Yan, sipping the hot fruit tea Lin Cheng had brought her, said: "It's alright, it'll ease up after a while. I just need to fly to England in a couple of days."
Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she noticed Baby sitting on the edge of the sofa counting money. Baby's little hands were slowly pinching the bills, looking quite serious, like a little adult.
Jiang Yan almost choked on her tea and pulled everyone's attention: "Look at Baby, is this our little money-grubber?"
All the elders looked over and were instantly melted by the adorable sight.
Baby was counting money with their little feet propped up. Hearing the commotion, they paused and looked up, giving everyone a confused smile.
It wasn't until the day before her business trip that Jiang Yan discovered what Baby was planning to do.
As Jiang Yan was taking two sets of her frequently worn clothes from the wardrobe and putting them in her suitcase, she looked up to see Baby walking in, clutching a stack of money.
Jiang Yan asked curiously: "Do you want to buy something? Why don't you go find Dad and let him buy it for you?"
Baby shook their head and said: "Baby wants to go with Mom."
Baby solemnly handed the money to Mom, saying: "This is Baby's money. It can buy a ticket for Baby."
Baby seemed a bit shy, burying their head against Jiang Yan before continuing: "Baby won't disturb Mom. Baby will play by themselves, just like before."
So, from the New Year when Baby wanted to keep their own red envelope money, it was for this—to travel with her. And Baby even knew they needed to buy a plane ticket.
Jiang Yan hugged Baby tightly. "Mom loves Baby so much."
Ah, Baby! Growing up in a jar full of love! Everyone loves Baby so much, so Baby instinctively knows how to love others in return.
